Signal for submarine vessels.



P. A. LOVEGROVE.

SIGNAL FOR SUBMARINE' VESSEL-S.

APPLICATION FILED 0GT.10, 1913 1,1 1 3,799. Patented Oct. 13, 1914.

5 SHEETS-SHEET l.

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f I INVENTOR o ,7 'fi F/P/J/VCIS fl. Lama/1 0m ATTORNEYS F. A. LOVEGROVE.

SIGNAL FOR SUBMARINE VESSELS.

APPLIOATION FILED OCT. 10, 1913.

Patented Oct. 13, 1914.

T m E N E CL WM y m S T E E u E 5 o so 000 o o o o o o oooooooooo oocooooo ooooooooo can cu uacanaua 00 o o a o o o a o o a o o o o c o 000 o 0 Q l I l l'lll I I I l l I I I I lllllIll o o o o o 0 o o n 1 l I l l I l I. I I l l I I l .II 0 n o 0 o o o 0 o n S O o o o o o o o o 0 000000 OOCOO O0 000 00 000 O o O 0 Q0 00 oo oo oo 00 co so on oo oo oo l WITNESSES ATTORNEYS P. A. LOVEGROVE.

SIGNAL FOR SUBMARINE VESSELS.

APPLICATION FILED OOT.10,1913.

1,1 13,799, Patented Oct. 13, 1914.

5 S EETSSHBET 4.

WTOR/VEYS FRANCIS A. LovEcRovE, or HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA.

SIGNAL FOR SUBM ARINE VESSELS.

i,]lil3,799.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that L FRANois A. LOVE- onovE, a subject of the King of Great Britam, and a resident of Halifax, in the Province of Nova Scoti'a,-Dominion of Canada, have invented a new and Improved Signal for Submarine Vessels, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact descrlption.

Among the principal objects which the present invention has in view are: to provide a floating device equipped with a signal or signals operable from a station wlthin a submerged vessel; to provide means for libcrating at will said floating device; to provide a variety of signals carried by said floating device and operable from within the hull of the submerged/vessel; to pro-' vide suitable devices for establishing communication with the inmates of a submerged vessel, for conveying intelligence; to rovide means for supplying a submerged vessel with atmospheric air; and to provide means for elevating a submerged vessel or for assisting in the elevation thereof.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a plctorlal view of a vessel of the submarine type, having attached thereto a signal constructed and arranged in accordance with the present invention, the signal beingshown as in service; Fig. 2 is a detail view on an enlarged scale, showing in vertical section a buoy forming part of the present signal; Fig. 3 is a vertical section of a submarine vessel constructed and arranged in accordance with the present invention, a fragment only of the hull of the vessel being shown; Fig. 4 is a detail view on an enlarged scale'and in vertical section, showing the construction and method of operating the hatch for the signal apparatus well, a fragment of the hull being shown broken and condensed; Fig. 5 is a plan view of a portion of the deck of a vessel constructed and arranged in accordance with the present invention, the hatch for the signal well being shown as'removed. and being partly broken away to disclose the rack and wheel for removing the same; Fig. 6 is a lay-out showing the circuit foro-perating a light signal and a signal notifying the occupants of a submerged vessel of'the signal-float arriving at the surface of the water in which the vessel is submerged; Figs. 7 8, 9 and 10 are verti Specification of Letters Patent. Application filed October 10, 1913.

Patented Oct. 13, 1914. Serial No. 794,399.

cal sections, on enlarged scale, of the turret of the signal apparatus, showing the side Walls thereof and the signal devices with which said walls are equipped; Fig. 11 is a vertical section showing the containing well of a vessel constructed and arranged in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 12'

1s a detail view of a signal light and holder therefor; Fig. 13 is a detail view showing the end of a signal line and handle therefor; Fig. 14 is av detail'view in section, showing one end of the operating rack for the signal apparatus well hatch, and a closure member for the runway thereof; Fig. 15 is a detail view in vertical section, showing a fragment ofthe signal apparatus hatch and operating rack and wheel therefor; Fig. 16 is a detail view of an electric signal-operating device to show to the occupants of a submarine vessel the arrival ofthe signal apparatusat the surface of the water; Fig. 17 is a detail view showing a pipezcouple for an intake air tube-' -wi'th which the apparatus is provided; Fig. 18 is a'detail View showing a union or connection for an electric cable employed in conjunction with the present invention.

My invention is applicable to substantially all characters of sea-going vessels, but it is particularly advantageous'when used bythe type of vessels known as submarine vessels. the accompanying drawings the inventin as applied to a submarine vessel, such us indicated by the numeral 25 in the accompanying drawings. The vessel 25 is provided with a containing wellQG, preferably sunk below its upper deck 27, and having a capacity sufficient to hold a buoy 28 and members connected therewith. The well 26 is surrounded by a gasket 29, which forms a suitable water-tight joint with the hatch 30 by Which said. well is covered when not in service. The hatch 30 is mounted .in guides held below battens 31, which are rigidly bolted to the deck structure vof the vessel. The well 26 extends into the hull of the vessel 25 any suitable depth, as shown best in Fig. 3 of the drawings. The hatch 30 is operated from withinm vessel, by manually operating a crank 32 and a wheel 33, with which said crank is rigidly connected. The wheel 33 is permanently meshed with, and proportionedto. a gear wheel 34 on a shaft 35. The shaft 35, as

I have elected to show in shown in Figs. 3 and 5 of the drawings, extends through a minor well 36, which is likewise surrounded, to be closed by, a gasket 37, which forms a water-tight joint with the under surface of the hatch 30. The major well 26 and the minor well 36 are operatively connected by a small channel 38, constructed and arranged to drain the minor well 36. This provides for the seepage of leakageof water through the gasket 37. Should, however, the channel 38 prove insufficient to drain the well 36, a further provision to effect the same is made in the pump 39, which is operatively connected. with both wells, and has a receiving connection. 40 with the well 36,.and a delivery connection 41 with the well 26. It will be seen that by manipulating a handle 42, any water which has found entrance to the well 36 could be readily transferred to the well 26. The shaft 35 isprovided with a gear wheel 43, the teeth whereof are permanently meshed with the teeth of a rack rail 44. The deck 27 is provided witha channel 45, into which the rack rail 44 extends. The end of the channel 45 adjacent the well 36 is closed, in service, by a pad 46 mounted at the outer end of the rack rail 44. To receive the pad 46, there is provided a shoulder 47. When thepad 46 rests against the shoulder 47, the wells 26 and 36 are both closed by the hatch 30, and the seepage of water into either the well 36 or the well 26 is thereafter determined.

It will be understood from the foregoing that by manipulating the crank 32, the operation of the hatch 30 is fully within the control of the occupant of the vessel 25. Also, it will be seen that, should water pass transferred to the major well into the minor well 36 during the opening or closing of the hatch, the same may be 26. which is subsequentlyflooded to float the buoy 28 and parts connected therewith, from their rest within well 26. I Normally stowed away in the well 26 is the buoy 28. .Said buoy is divided by a partition 48 into an upper and a lower aircontaining chamber 49 and50 (see Fig. 2 of the drawings). The chamber 50 is a permanent air chamber, through which a tube 51 passes. The tube 51 is provided with a screw-threaded union 52, by which said tube is operatively'zconnected to a flexible hose 53. ,The opposite end of the hose 53 is permanently held by a bridle ring 54 on a flange nipple or pipe coupling 55, the flange whereof extends within a screw nut 56. The nut 56 is threaded to register with the threads on a nipple 57 projected from a base plate 58 secured to the bottom of the well 26 (see Fig. 11 of the drawings). When the nut 56 1S set up on the nipple 57, the hose 53, and the tube 51 constitute a clearway passage from the interior of the closed on the vessel 25 to, the interior of the turret 59 mounted upon the apex of the buoy 28, and above the chamber 49 thereof. The tube 51 and the hose 53 constitute a conveyor from the interior of the vessel 25 to the interior of the turret 59, for an air intake pipe 60, a whistle pipe 61, a latch string 62, electric signal circuit wires 63, a trigger line 64, an electric light cable 65, an electric signal cable 66, and a telephone cable 67, all of which are shown in Figs. 7, 8, 9, 10 and 2 of the drawings.

When, in the operation of the invention, the buoy 28 is. released, which occurs when for any reason the vessel 25 is unable to rise to the top of the water in which it is submerged, or when for any reason it is desired to communicate with those above the water while the vessel 25 remains below, the hatch 30 is moved back to the position shown in Fig. 5 of thedrawings, exposing thereby the well 26 to; the inrush of the water, thereby floating the buoy and'parts connected therewith, which rise to the surface of the water until arrested by lifting cables 68. Prior to retracting the hatch 30, a cable section 69 is coupled with the cables 65 and 66. The terminals of the cable 66 are operatively connected with a binding post 70 and a switch 71, as seen best in Fig. 16 of the drawings.

The switch 71 is operatively mounted by means of a shaft 72 on standards 73 secured upon the side of the turret 59.

Incorporated in the electric circuit of which the cable section 69 forms a part is a battery 74 and an electrically-operated bell 75. In the circuit in which the bell 75 is incorporated is included the binding post 70 and switch 71, so that when said switch is The switch 71 is provided with a detent arm 76 and a cupped extension 77. \Vhen the buoy 28, on being released from the well 26, ascends rapidly through the water, the

. cupped extension 77 which projects outside the turret 59 is forced down, causing the switch 71 to rock on the shaft 72 and make contact with the binding post 70. This completes the circuit incorporating the bell 75, causing the latter to sound and continue to sound until, when the buoy 28 reaches the surface of the water, the turret 59 is lifted therefrom. In this position, the pressure exerted by the water on the extension 77 is released, and a spring 78 is permitted to rock the switch 71 out of contact with the binding post 70. The circuit being thus broken, the bell 75 ceases to ring, and by that, the occupants of the vessel are apprised of the fact that the float is at the surface of the water, and the turret 59 above the -same. The battery 74 is also employed to illuminate a lamp 79. The lamp 79 is provided with a reflector hood 80 and a dif fusing lens 81 set in the side wall of the binding post, the bell 75 rings fill 86 wound about turret 59. When the lamp is illuminatedand theturret raised above the water, as at night, the lamp serves as a signal light for passing vessels or others on the lookout.

The light 79 is relied upon principally during the hours of the night. During the hours reliance is placed chiefly on an a revolver 82, the sound signal as a whistle 83,'a-nd the sight of the day, explosive signal, such as signal as a flag 84. The sound and sight signals referred to are exposed after the top cap is screwed to a nipple 91 clamped rigidly to the bottom of the nipple 57 to which nected. When the cap 88 is removed, the

well 26, in line withthe various terminals are exposed, to be connected, where necessary, with corresponding terminals of pipe or wire sections mounted within the hull of the vessel 25. Thus, the air intake pipe 60 is with a pipe section 92. The pipe secti'on92 is operatively connected with a pump 94, The pump 94 is manu-all operated by means of a pump handle 93. The air drawn from the turret 59 is voided freely into the body of the vessel 25, or may be distributed by i means of a hose pipe 90, to any location in the hull of thevessel. is operatively section 96, which is operativeiy connected witha pump cylinder 97. The pistonsoperating the pump 94, and within the cylinder 97, are preferab y mounted on the same piston rod, which rod is suitably connected'with the handle 93.

It will be understood that when the han die 93 is operated, air pressure is; produced in the pipe section 96 and the pipe 61, to operate the whistle 83. The lips of the whistle 83 are disposed in suitable proximity to a horn 98 (see Fig. 9 The horn 98 has a mouth from the side of the turret 59 below the receiving end of said horn.- In this manner, should a wave enter the horn, it is drained therefrom without passin into the turret ,59. At the, same time, tie sound of the whistle 83 is magnified by said horn.

The whistle pipe 61 It will be understood that the light signal and the vhistle can be operated, if desired, whenv the lid of the turret 59 is closed;

also, that the air intake may be somewhat I these conditions.

revol-ver82 and the flag 84 are provided position shown in Fig. l by the operation of a spring The cap 88 is provided the flexible hose 53 is con operatively connected connected witha short pipe of the drawings). 99, which opens imperfectly, but practically, operated under The signals for which the cannot be practically operated unless said lid be raised. This is accomplished by drawing on the latch string 62. The latch string 62, as shown in Fig. 10 of the draW-' ings, is guided by means of pulleys 100, and operatively connected with the pull rod of a latch head 101. The latch head 101 is housedin a perforation formed in the side the lid 85 is closed. The latch head is thus held by a coil spring 102 (see Fig. 10 of the drawings).

From the construction and arrangement shown and described, it is evident that when the string 62 is drawn upon, the latch head 101- is withdrawn from engagement with the hole provided for it in the side of the of the turret when turret, and the spring 86 is then permitted to lift the lid "85 to the position shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings.

The flag 84 is mounted upon a pole 103, to which it is normally closely wrapped and stowed in a housing 104. The housing 104 is preferably provided with a lengthwise slot 105, in which a pin 106 slides when the is 103 is moved upward through said hous ng.

The pole 103 is normally held in a cylindrical housing 107 in the chamber 49 of the buoy 28 .(see Fig. 2 of the drawings), The, foot of the pole compresses, a spiral in the housing 107. From the foregoing, it will be seen that: when the latch string 62 is operated to release the lid 85, and the latter is. thrown back by the the spring 86, the spring 108 is permitted to expand, lifting the, ole 103 and the flag 84 carried thereby a ove the turret 59, as seen in Fig. 1 of the drawings. The flag 84 being thus exposed, the breeze unfurls the same, permitting it to wave as a signal above the pole 103. Thelid 85 being thus drawn back, the revolver 82 may be operated by drawing upon the line 64, which is, as shown in Fig. 7 of the drawings, connected with the trigger of the revolver. The revolver 82 is firmly mounted by means of clamps 109, to the side of the turret 59. The trigger 110 is provided with a spring 108 likewise held .sinall shackle clip 111 of any suitable form,

which provides an eyelet for. the attachment of the line 64 and an eyelet for the attachment of a retracting spring 112. When thus constructed and arranged, it will be understood that after the lid 85 is moved rom the mouth of the revolver, an operator in the vessel 25, by drawing upon the line 64, could fire one chamber of the revolver 8.2,

and that the trigger 110 would be thereafter returned to the normal position, and the (cylinder of the revolver revolved by the automatic. mechanism with which it is provided, by the operation of a spring 112.

103 rests upon, and normally Thus, an added signal to attract attention of passing vessels or accompanying consorts, is provided.

The purpose of the operation of the various signals above referred to, may be to obtain a rescue, as in the event of a wreck of the vessel 25 below the surface of the water, or failure of the floating mechanism to operate. It may also be to get into communication with persons or a person at the surface of the water without bringing the vessel 25 to the surface. For this reason, a telephone instrument 113 is mounted in the chamber 19 of the buoy 28. The chamber 49 is provided with an entrance door 114, juxtaposed to which is the telephone instrument 113. The telephone cable 67 is operatively connected with a short cable 115, placing in circuit with the instrument 113, a telephone instrument 116, which is located within the hull of the vessel 25. When, in the operation of the signals above described, the observer realizes that the occupants of the vessel desire to communicate by telephone, the buoy 28 is captured, and the door 114 is opened. The telephone instruments 113 and 116 are then used for communication between the person above the surface of the water and the person within the hull of the vessel 25. After using the telephone instrument 113, the door 114: is closed. If it is discovered by use of the telephone above referred to, or otherwise, that the vessel 25 has sustained an injury and is unable to raise herself to the surface of the water, provision is made to lift the vessel 25, or aid in lifting said vessel, the means shown in the drawings being the cables 68, which cables are anchored to eyelets 117 in the bottom of the well 26. It will be understood that the cables 68 may be constructed of any suitable size and strength to effect the purpose above described.

As seen iii-Fig. 3 of the drawings, a bulls eye vport light 118 is provided in the side of the well 26, whereby an occupant of the vessel may observe the interior of said well from the interior of the vessel 25, either during the period when the water is excluded or admitted to said well, and there by ascertain; whether the apparatus has come clogged or entangled in the well.

As seen best in Fig. 4 of the drawings, a pipe 119 is provided, one end of which opens; into thewell 26, and the other to the sur-- rounding atmosphere or water. The lit)?! through the pipe 119 is controlled by a valve. 120, a hand wheel 121 being provided for that purpose. \Vhen, in the operation of the hatch 30, the pressure of water on the top thereof is so great as to retard the operation of the shifting mechanism, valve 120 is opened to admit water to well 26, which balances the pressure of the i the I said vessel; a sliding hatch to close said the i tell; a mechanism for moving said hatch,

water above the hatch 30, permitting then the shifting mechanism to move said hatch to expose the well 26.

Claims:

1. A signal for submarine vessels, comprising a buoy; means for holding the same on the hull of a submarine vessel; 9. flexible tube connecting and being in open communication with said buoy and vessel; a closure member for said buoy above the line of. flotation thereof; means extensible through said tube and operable from within said vessel, for opening said closure member; and a visible signal adapted to be liberated and exposed above said buoy by the opening of said closure member.

2. A signal for submarine vessels, comprising a buoy; means for holding the same on the hull of a submarine vessel; a flexible tube connecting and being in open communication with said buoy and vessel; aclosure member for said buoy above the line of flotation thereof; means extensible through said tube and operable from within said vessel, for opening said closure member; a signal flag mounted within said buoy to be held and released by said closure member; and means for elevating said flag above said buoy.

3. A signal for submarine vessels, comprising a buoy; means for holding the same on the hull of a submarine vessel; a flexible tube connecting and being in open communication with said buoy and vessel; a closure member for said buoy above the line of flotation thereof; means extensible through said tube and gperable from within said vessel, for opening said closure member an audible signal fiiounted within said buoy to be heard when said closure member is open; and means controllable from within the vessel for operating said audible signal.

4. In combination; a submarine vessel having an outwardly-opening containing well; a hollow buoy having a tubular connection, said buoy and said connection being adapted for stowing within said well; watertight means for connecting the-tubular conncction of said buoy with the interior of said vessel; a sliding hatch to close said well; a mechanism for moving said hatch, embodying a. rack and pinion, operative from within said vessel to expose said well; and a minor well for mounting said rack and pinion, said minor well being in com- -munication with the first-mentioned well.

5. In combination; a submarine vessel having an outunrdly-opening containing well; a hollow buoy having a tubular connection, said buov and said connection being adapted for stowing within said well; watertight means for connecting the tubular connection of said buoy with the interior of embodying a rack and-pinion, operative In testimony whereof I have signed myfrom within said Vessel to expose said well; name to this specification in the presence of 10 v a minor well for molfiitling said rack and two subscribing witnesses. pinion said minor we mug in communication with the first-mentioned well; and FRANCIS LOVEGROVE' means, 0 erative from within said vessel, Witnesses:

for transferring any water contained in said HARRY S. vHILL,

minorvwell to the first'mentioned well. Cmimns H. PENNOYER. 

